Amid deepening economic hardship, social strain and rising migration, a major Baptist body in Cuba has issued a statement urging churches to remain spiritually grounded while continuing practical support for communities facing mounting challenges.
The Western Cuba Baptist Convention Association (CBCOcc) released the document on Monday, March 23, outlining how churches should respond to the country’s ongoing crisis. Signed by its president, Rev. Dr. Bárbaro Abel Marrero Castellanos, the statement addresses both the social realities confronting the nation and the role of the church in maintaining its spiritual mission amid external pressures and internal debate.
Cuba has faced prolonged economic difficulties in recent years, marked by shortages of basic goods, declining public services and an increase in outward migration.
Marrero Castellanos told Martí Noticias that the statement was intended primarily for churches, offering guidance rather than political commentary.
Social reality and perseverance: The church as a witness
Baptist leadership describes the current moment as one of “turbulent times,” characterized by widespread suffering, material and spiritual shortages, deteriorating sanitation, and a growing sense of insecurity linked to rising crime and injustice. Within this context, the statement highlights what it portrays as a notable commitment among believers who have chosen to remain in the country despite difficult living conditions.
The document frames missionary commitment not in terms of geographic movement but presence, emphasizing that a missionary is someone who remains among the people. While many Cubans have sought opportunities abroad, it notes that numerous Christians have decided to stay, motivated by their faith and a desire to serve their communities. According to the statement, this continued presence reflects both resilience and a sense of calling.
At the same time, Baptist leaders assert that the church is not merely enduring the crisis but continues to grow. The statement claims that congregations are expanding “more than ever, in the midst of such a terrible crisis,” suggesting that hardship has not halted spiritual engagement.
Believers are also encouraged to maintain a posture of prayer, particularly for government leaders and the nation as a whole. The statement links the country’s current struggles to what it describes as a broader spiritual condition, urging repentance and renewed faith as essential responses.
Social action and the challenge of humanitarian aid
Beyond spiritual guidance, Baptist churches in western Cuba report taking practical steps to respond to urgent needs within their communities, despite limited resources.
Congregations have organized food programs, including weekly breakfasts and lunches for elderly individuals living on insufficient pensions as well as for children experiencing food insecurity. In response to the country’s strained healthcare system, churches have also coordinated medical outreach efforts led by professionals within their congregations, providing care for the sick and distributing donated medications where possible.
In the area of education, church members have sought to contribute through their professional expertise, addressing what the statement describes as “serious deficiencies” in the national education system. These efforts reflect a broader attempt to support vulnerable populations while navigating systemic limitations.
Despite this engagement, CBCOcc emphasizes that humanitarian work should not eclipse the church’s primary mission. The statement underscores that, in its view, lasting freedom is found through faith in Christ, and that social action should remain connected to, rather than replace, the proclamation of the Gospel.
The debate on political activism and Baptist identity
A central theme in the statement is the relationship between the church and political life, particularly in response to criticism that religious groups should take a more active role in advocating for political change.
Marrero Castellanos reiterates the historic Baptist principle of separation between church and state, citing the biblical teaching to “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s.” The statement presents this distinction as essential to preserving the church’s spiritual integrity.
At the same time, it acknowledges that individual Christians may feel called to pursue political involvement for the good of the nation. Such engagement, it states, is both legitimate and lawful, but should be carried out in a personal capacity rather than under the institutional authority of the church.
The document also points to the example of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that his mission did not involve overthrowing political systems such as the Roman Empire, but rather addressing the deeper issue of human sin. This theological framing is used to reinforce the idea that the church’s primary role is spiritual rather than political.
The Western Cuba Baptist Convention concludes its statement with a call for unity, warning against division and polarization among believers. It reaffirms its historic motto, “CUBA FOR CHRIST NOW!”, and urges repentance as the path toward meaningful transformation in the country.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
